No Chance’ – Paul Scholes Delivers Harsh Verdict on Arsenal’s Title Hopes

Paul Scholes says Arsenal have “no chance” of winning the Premier League title unless they start beating top rivals, following their 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has issued a blunt title warning to Arsenal, claiming the club has “no chance” of winning the Premier League unless they start beating top rivals on a consistent basis. His comments arrive just days after Arsenal’s costly 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa, a result that tightened the title race and exposed familiar concerns.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes argued that Arsenal’s biggest weakness is their inability to win high-pressure matches. Consequently, he believes Manchester City remain favourites to lift the trophy.

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“Man City have a great chance now,” Scholes said, before adding, “Arsenal can’t win a big game. Until they start winning big games they’ve got no chance of winning the league.” He highlighted defeats to Liverpool, failure to beat struggling City earlier in the season, and dropped points against ten-man Chelsea as proof of Arsenal’s shortcomings.

City’s Second-Half Surge Worries Scholes

Scholes also warned that Manchester City traditionally grow stronger after January. He linked that pattern to their delayed preseason due to the Club World Cup, explaining that Guardiola’s squad usually reaches full power in the second half of the campaign. Therefore, he believes Arsenal’s lead is more fragile than it looks.

Arsenal’s loss at Villa Park added weight to Scholes’ argument. Matty Cash opened the scoring for the hosts, and although Leandro Trossard equalised after the break, Emiliano Buendía struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner. Hours later, Manchester City punished Arsenal’s slip by beating Sunderland 3–0.

As of December 9, Arsenal still top the Premier League with 33 points from 15 games. However, Manchester City trail by only two points, and Aston Villa sit just one point behind City. This razor-thin margin puts huge pressure on Arsenal, who have not won the league since 2004.

Butt Agrees as Arsenal’s Critics Grow Louder

On the same podcast, Nicky Butt agreed with Scholes, predicting Manchester City to win the title. He praised Guardiola’s experience and depth, noting that City rarely crumble in the run-in. Their combined assessment from two Premier League icons has amplified concerns among Arsenal supporters.

Arsenal now prepare for a crucial home match against bottom-placed Wolves, while City travel to Crystal Palace and Aston Villa face West Ham. These fixtures offer Arteta’s side the chance to silence critics, prove Scholes wrong and reassert their title credentials.

Ultimately, Scholes’ claim serves as a sharp reminder of the Premier League’s ruthlessness. Champions win big games. Challengers don’t. As the season approaches the halfway point, Arsenal must correct this flaw—or risk watching the trophy slip away again.

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